16 Day Vietnam & Cambodia with Mekong Cruise
Australian Owned
Return International Flights
Fully Escorted by English speaking guide
Small Group Tour
Day by Day Itinerary
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Cruise, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap
Highlights
- Explore the bustling capital of Hanoi, where ancient history meets modern life.
- Embark on a journey to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Wander the streets of the charming town of Hoi An, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient architecture and rich history.
- Venture to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War.
- Bask on a luxurious cruise along the Mekong Delta, a region teeming with life and natural beauty.
- Explore the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh
Itinerary
Home Hanoi, Vietnam
Today you will depart from your home for the flight to Hanoi – Capital of Vietnam.
On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Meal: In-flight meals
Accommodation: Silk Path Hotel Hanoi 4* or similar
Hanoi
After breakfast, you will have a bustling day to visit a city tour of Hanoi and will explore attractions such as the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda) and Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. Lunch is included in this day.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Silk Path Hotel Hanoi 4* or similar
Optional tour: Hanoi Street Food (Dinner included)
Afternoon Stroll Through Hanoi’s Old Quarter: A Culinary and Cultural Adventure
Hanoi Halong Bay
Today you will travel by coach through the rich farm land of the Red River Delta to arrive at Halong Bay. Designated a World Heritage site in 1994, Halong Bay’s spectacular scatter of islands, dotted with wind- and wave-eroded grottoes, is a vision of ethereal beauty. Upon arrival, you will board you ship to visit the thousands of limestone islands filled with caves of all shapes and sizes. The sails of junks and sampans gliding along the clear and emerald waters of the bay form a magnificent scene that blends into the sky. You will also have the opportunity to visit some of the hidden grottoes beneath the towering cliffs.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Calypso Cruise 4* or similar
Halong Bay Hanoi Danang Hoi An
Awake early and join a Tai Chi session on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea before exploring nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk and admire the amazing rock formations of Halong Bay from the sundeck. Your driver will meet you at the Halong jetty then we drive to Noi Bai Airport and get ready for a short flight to Da Nang. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to Danang to check in your hotel.
Meal: Brunch
Accommodation: Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness 5* or similar
Hoi An
Today you can enjoy a day of leisure to explore Danang or join our optional tours.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness 5* or similar
Optional tour: Golden Bridge Tour
Discover Ba Na Hills: A Magical Day Tour
Join us for an unforgettable adventure as we explore the stunning Ba Na Hills! Your journey begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel by our friendly guide and driver.
Upon arrival at the foot of Ba Na Mountain, we’ll board the spectacular cable car that will whisk us up to the Marseille Station. Prepare to be amazed as we step out and take a short walk to the breathtaking Golden Bridge, our first highlight of the day. Opened to the public in June 2018, this iconic bridge stands out with its golden hue against the lush forest backdrop. Supported by giant stone hands, the architecture creates a surreal and picturesque scene that feels like walking on clouds—perfect for capturing stunning photos and enjoying the refreshing mountain breeze.
Next, we’ll stroll to the enchanting Le Jardin D’Amour, a romantic flower garden featuring nine distinct gardens, each telling a unique story through its architectural style. This vibrant space offers a poetic and colorful atmosphere that’s ideal for leisurely exploration.
Our journey continues with a visit to the Linh Ung Pagoda, where you can admire the intricate architecture and the impressive 27-meter tall Shakyamuni statue. This serene location provides a peaceful ambiance, perfect for reflection and appreciation of the stunning surroundings.
After a day filled with beauty and exploration, we’ll take the cable car back down the mountain and transfer you to the charming town of Hoi An.
Hoi An Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, you will explore Hoi An’s bustling local market and other attractions with unique architectures such as Old Merchants’ House, a local Chinese Temple and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Enjoy a stroll along the peaceful Thu Bon River, one of the world’s famous trading port in the past. It will be an ideal day for you to learn about the fascinating stories and history of these ancient architectures.
Late afternoon, get transferred to the airport for flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Rex Hotel Saigon 5* or similar
Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, head to Cu Chi Tunnels, a byzantine maze of underground passages, chambers and booby traps used by both the Viet Minh and the Viet Cong during Vietnam-US war. The tunnel system had become legendary during the 1960s as a strategic military base and underground community life.
In the afternoon, you will visit the bustling city of Saigon such as: Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, War Remnant Museum and dive into the colorful Ben Thanh Market, one of Ho Chi Minh’s liveliest areas.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Rex Hotel Saigon 5* or similar
Optional tour: Dinner on Saigon River Cruise
Experience an Enchanting Dinner Cruise on the Saigon River
Indulge in a magical evening on the Saigon River Cruise, where you’ll discover a captivating side of Saigon that beautifully contrasts its bustling city life. As you embark on this unique experience, you’ll board a magnificent wooden barge, setting the stage for a night filled with romance and charm.
As the boat sets sail, take a moment to soak in the stunning views of the city skyline illuminated against the night sky. The gentle breeze will caress your skin, creating a serene atmosphere as you glide along the river, witnessing the city’s vibrant lights reflecting on the water. This picturesque setting transforms Saigon into a romantic haven, making it the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening.
Your dining experience will feature a delectable menu showcasing a variety of local and international dishes, thoughtfully prepared to tantalize your taste buds. As you savor each bite, enjoy the enchanting sounds of traditional music and captivating dance performances that accompany your meal. Local artists will transport you through the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam, adding a delightful touch to your evening.
Ho Chi Minh City My Tho Tan Phong Island
After breakfast, you will be we welcomed in the morning at the Cruise’s lounge. Relax with a second coffee while our staff collects your details. We bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon and travel 70 kilometres south overland towards My Tho to embark on our vessel. After checking into your luxurious floating “home,” the sailing on this major Asian waterway begins.
A lunch buffet is served in the restaurant as the vessel steadily glides upstream. As twilight bathes the Mekong Delta in a golden haze, take the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers and join in our official welcome with canapés and prosecco.
During dinner, the ship will likely reach Tan Phong Island area near Cai Be, where we anchor midstream. This is your first glimpse of the bustling area where we will begin our Mekong adventure on land tomorrow. Join us for some late-night entertainment in the evening cinema, featuring interesting classic movies or thrilling documentaries.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise 5* or similar
Tan Phong Island Binh Thanh Island Tan Chau
Wake early to embrace the stunning dawn scenery, a time when the Delta’s inhabitants have already been active for hours. Energize yourself with our daily morning Tai Chi class before indulging in a lavish breakfast buffet. By local boat, we gain access to the secluded island of Tan Phong, a small island situated in the midst of one of the expansive Mekong River tributaries flowing toward the nearby sea.
During a visit to a local workshop, we’ll have the opportunity to observe the production of rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies, and rice wine. The region here is abundant with palm trees, making the region renowned for its coconut candy production. While the vessel continues to sail upstream, take some leisure time for yourself or visit the bar to enjoy an authentic Vietnamese coffee, all while observing the riverbanks’ vibrant life passing by.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise 5* or similar
Tan Chau Border crossing Phnom Penh
Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam.
Once on shore, we see Tan Chau’s vibrant town-life as we hop on “xelois”, which are local vehicles still used as a taxi in this area. Your personal xeloi driver slowly navigates through the streets to observe all the workshops, houses and shops while feeling the laid-back vibe of this place. We stop at the colourful, local market near one of the town’s temples. This is a great opportunity to interact with the vendors of this friendly town and try your hand at bargaining with them.
To see what Tan Chau is famous for, we board local boats and head to a floating fish farm. You are about to get an exclusive look into the world’s largest inland aquaculture industry. Each of the floating structures has netting hanging down into the water to enclose the fish, which are raised and fed on a daily basis. The region’s specialties are tilapia and the Basa catfish, or Pangasius, which is unique to the Mekong River basin and rapidly gaining popularity on the international seafood market.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise 5* or similar
Phnom Penh
Welcome to Phnom Penh – the city once named Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. It is an amazing town with centuries of incredible history and culture which can still be felt at many street corners.
Enjoy your last breakfast aboard your floating home before disembarking the ship. We hope you enjoyed this fascinating river cruise, just as our crew does every single time. Moreover, take the enchanting memories and friendships along with you and share the stories of this amazing river – the Mighty Mekong.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Baitong Hotel & Resort Phnom Penh 4* or similar
Phnom Penh
This morning, you will take a Phnom Penh city tour to The Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Wat Ounalom and Central Market. Then discover the place where journalists camped on the eve of the Khmer Rouge takeover, followed by a visit to the ghostly building. Later on, continue to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school which was used as the notorious Security Prison 21 (S-21) by the Khmer Rouge regime before heading to Choeung Ek Killing Field to learn about the atrocities that took place here. To end your journey today, you will have a chance to taste some Khmer snacks while learning about the sombre Cambodian history.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Baitong Hotel & Resort Phnom Penh 4* or similar
Phnom Penh Siem Reap
After breakfast, you will join and spend your 6 hour from Phnompenh to Siem Reap. On arrival, check in your hotel and relax. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Empress Angkor Hotel 4* or similar
Siem Reap
Today, you will spend a full-day visiting the breathtaking Angkor Temples including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom (home to Elephant Terrace, Bayon Temple, Terrace of Leper King and Ta Prohm).
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Empress Angkor Hotel 4* or similar
Siem Reap Home
You will get some free time before getting transferred to the airport for a flight back home.
Meal: Breakfast, In-flight meals
Accommodation: On flight
Optional tour: Tonle Sap Lake Tour
Get ready for an extraordinary experience as you’re picked up from your hotel to embark on a captivating tour of Tonle Sap Lake, a jewel of Cambodia. Your journey begins with a visit to a unique floating village, where you’ll witness the seasonal activities that highlight the rich traditions of Cambodian agriculture and aquaculture.
Known as the “Great Lake,” Tonle Sap is a magnificent natural wonder. During the high water season from August to November, the lake swells to an impressive 2,600 square kilometers, making it the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Its rich biodiversity has supported the communities living on its waters for centuries, creating a vibrant ecosystem.
Step aboard a boat and glide across the lake, where stilted houses rise above the surface. Soak in the views of expansive floodplains, lush rice fields, and water vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. You’ll also have the chance to observe crocodiles raised by a local family and gain insight into the lives of the Vietnamese communities that thrive on this remarkable lake.
After a day filled with exploration and discovery, we’ll return to your hotel, allowing you to relax and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the day. Join us for this immersive adventure that blends natural beauty, culture, and local life!
Return transfers from your hotel included. Pick up time approx 08:00am, drop off 12 midday.
Home
You will arrive home today and we hope you enjoy your trip with AVG Travels.
Included
- Return Flights by Vietnam Airlines from Australia
- Incredible sightseeing, including an overnight cruise on Halong Bay and guided tours of Sapa, Hanoi, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and Angkor Temples
- Enjoy a 3 nights on Luxury Mekong Cruise called Jayavarman Cruise.
- Daily breakfasts and full board meals on Halong Cruise and Mekong Cruise.
- Fully escorted by professional English-speaking tour guides in each city
- Air-conditioned transportations throught the trip
- In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
Excluded
- Meals and drinks are not mentioned in the program
- Visa fees in Vietnam, Cambodia
- Tipping for driver and tour guide (suggestion: AUD10/pp/day)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (we strongly recommend you hold a valid travel insurance policy for all domestic and overseas travel)
- Trip delay or interruption by airline schedule change
- Extra cost or missing tour caused by flight delay or cancel
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the program
Fine Print
How to book and Payments
AVG Travels offers you an “Instalment Payment Plan”, where you will be required to pay a small deposit followed by a series of instalments when you book your departure tour.
- First payment: To secure your booking, you will be required to pay $300 per person deposit online through our website link.
- Second payment: You will be required to pay the second payment $2000 per person after 7 days when you receive our company invoice.
- Third payment: You will be required to pay the third payment $1000 per person after 7 days when you receive our company invoice.
- Fourth payment: You will be required to pay the fourth payment $1000 per person after 7 days when you receive our company invoice.
- Final payment: Final payment will be collected 120 days before your departure.
Tours due to depart within 120 days will require a $300 deposit followed by full payment after 7 days when you receive our company invoice.
However, you will have 7-day cooling off period. Please refer to “Flexible Cancellation” section.
Flexible Cancellation
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a travel refund for your initial deposit payment. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation, full name and booking reference.
Flight Information
This package includes international flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane or other city if requested when selecting your departure city.
Interstate Surcharge
Surcharges may apply and will be shown during the booking process when choosing your departure city.
In this package, we will use a selection of different airlines which may include a mix of full-service carriers or low-cost carriers. Luggage allowance is included.
- Some flights will require a minimum of 1 transit (maximum 2).
- All tickets will include 20-23 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage.
- Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 20 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct.
- Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable. Any changes will be subject to the airline rules, Airline change fees and an AVG Travels change fee of $250 per person.
- Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to an AVG Travels name change fee of $150 plus any applicable fees charged by the airline, or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required.
- Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control. It is important that you, as the customer, stay up-to-date with the latest airline schedule information prior to your departure. If a schedule change results in extended transits or an earlier/later departure from your destination, any additional accommodation or alternative arrangements will be at the traveler’s expense.
- Any airline ‘extras’ such as pre-allocated seating is at your own arrangement (additional charges apply)
- After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of AVG Travels. AVG Travels reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer’s invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
- Internal flights (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in.
- If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability.
- You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.
- In the event of that you no-show on your scheduled flight, please be aware the airline will require you to pay a no show fee, Airline reissue fee plus any additional airfare and taxes. AVG Travels will also charge a $250 admin fee to assist re accommodating you on the next available flight. Please note that depending on the airline’s policy, purchasing a new ticket may be required.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalized quote tailored to your specific requirements.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
Airline Preferences – You may wish to fly with a particular airline
Cabin Preferences – These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) – You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
Meal Requests – You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
Seat Requests – If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.
Important Information
Important Information
Land Only Packages
Transfers ARE NOT included for land only packages.
Please note that customers purchasing the land only option need to make their own way to the joining hotel and the airport at the end of the tour. AVG Travels can assist with purchasing private transfers if choosing the land only option.
Physical Requirements
A reasonable level of fitness is required. Participants should be comfortable navigating stairs, boarding and disembarking from the coach, and walking reasonable distances, typically around 2 km per day or more. Please disclose any physical conditions at the time of booking to assess suitability for the tour.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping, (whilst not compulsory) is not included in your package. If you would like to show appreciation for tour guides, drivers, and bellmen, a suggested tip of $10 per person per day is welcome and can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. Tipping will be collected on day 1 of your tour. This helps support local staff who work hard to make your experience memorable.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is AU$3,800 in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Traveler
Not available.
Group size:
Min 2 – Max 16 travellers
Triple Share
Upon your request except for cruises
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while travelling.
We have partnered with Nib Travel Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply with us.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return and must have more than 2 blank pages. Visa conditions are subject to change at short notice, so it is the responsibility of the traveller to consult with the relevant consulates to ensure they have the appropriate visa for entry to the countries being visited.
Vietnam
All Australian passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam. You should apply for your electronic visa (e-Visa) online at least 30 days prior to departure. Please check details at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/home
Alternatively, AVG Travels can assist with obtaining your Vietnam Visa prior to your travel.
Cambodia
All Australian passport holders require a visa to enter Cambodia. You can apply for an e-Visa online or get a visa on arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, in which case you will need to pay your visa fee in USD cash. If arriving in Cambodia on an upstream Mekong River cruise (travelling from Vietnam to Cambodia) you can obtain the visa on board and your crew will assist with this process on board.
From July 2024, all travellers arriving in Cambodia need to submit an electronic e-Arrival card. Please find details https://cambodiaarrivalcard.com/
This can be completed up to 7 days before the intended arrival into the country. If arriving in Cambodia on an upstream Mekong River cruise (travelling from Vietnam to Cambodia) there is no need to complete the arrival card.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ for up-to-date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Children
Children must be 2 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
How to Extend Your Stay
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
AU$190 per room, per night based on double/twin room share
AU$140 per vehicle per way
Post Tour Accommodation
AU$190 per room, per night based on double/twin room share
AU$140 per vehicle per way
Please select the number of extra nights required in the ‘Additional Nights Accommodation’ field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Dates & Prices
Real Travelers Reviews
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Reserved your seat with a small deposit and you can change your mind in 7 days.
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